Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is excited to reunite with Martin Odegaard on the pitch at the Emirates.
The summer signing played with the Arsenal captain during their time at Real Sociedad together.
Odegaard spent the 2019/20 season on loan with Sociedad from Real Madrid, gaining vital experience at senior level in LaLiga.
The Norweigan left Sociedad having contributed to 16 goals that term, making quite the impression on his now teammate, Merino.
Mikel Merino previews Martin Odegaard link up at Arsenal
There was a lot of excitement when Merino signed for Arsenal in the summer, a lot of it due to how closely the midfielder had worked with Odegaard.
The duo’s chemistry built in Spain is expected to be transferred to the Emirates however, the reunion has been put on hold due to frustrating injury woes.
Odegaard has been out of action since the September international break, with Merino being out before the skipper due to a shoulder injury sustained during his first training session at Colney.
The pair are counting down the days until they can grace the pitch together once more, with the Spaniard giving Arsenal fans a preview of what to expect when the two collaborate in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
“It has been a long journey for him [Odegaard] and for me, that finishes now playing together again,” Merino said in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
“I saw him as this really talented kid who was just magic in the number 10 position.”
Merino then detailed how Odegaard impacted his role in the middle of the park, which should excite those at the Emirates.
“He made my job really easy because he’s the one who moves really good in the pockets, he turns, he plays really quick.
“Me as a number eight, I used to find him a lot and he used to make my passes better. It’s amazing how he has evolved.”
Arsenal need Odegaard back from injury
After the difficulties that Arsenal faced last time out against Bournemouth, it’s no surprise that Merino is excited for Odegaard’s return.
The Gunners are missing their key creator dearly, with Merino struggling in midfield at the Vitality without a creative outlet such as the club captain.
Arteta shared an update on Odegaard’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Shakthar, explaining that the midfielder is ‘progressing well’ but is ‘still not fit’ enough to feature on a match day.
Given the impact that the Norway international had on Merino during their time together in Spain, Arteta will be eager to fuse the pair once the skipper returns to full fitness.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
